Laguna Niguel-based Surf Industry Manufacturers Association recognized The Roark Revival in San Juan Capistrano and Billabong in Irvine for producing marketing campaigns of the year at the 14th Annual SIMA Awards ceremony last month in Silverado.
The goal of the event, sponsored by Audi and San Juan Capistrano-based Emerald Expositions LLC’s Surf Expo, is to identify “the surf industry’s most influential companies and products, and recognize their efforts to advance and grow the industry over the past year.”
“A Bikini Kinda Life” women’s campaign by Billabong beat out entries by OluKai LLC in Irvine, Rip Curl USA in Costa Mesa, ROXY in Huntington Beach and Stance Inc. in San Clemente. The Roark Revival, with its 3-minute “Hellbound In Clayoquot Sound” video filmed “in the grasp of a cold winter” in Vancouver Island, B.C., picked up the honors in the men’s category ahead of Billabong, Rip Curl, Stance and Vissla in Aliso Viejo.
“It was incredible seeing everyone come together and celebrate the amazing brands and products that define our industry,” Johnny Gehris, event chairman and president of Costa Mesa-based watch maker Vestal, said in a statement.
Spark
IMW Agency in Costa Mesa developed an outreach campaign to help Long Beach-based DENSO Products and Services Americas Inc. connect with National Hot Rod Association fans and auto enthusiasts. The campaign includes a 30-second TV spot featuring NHRA world champion Jason Line that’s running on Fox Sports and social media platforms.
The effort was “sparked” by Line’s comment that “his team had zero spark plug failures last year after switching to DENSO Iridium Spark Plugs,” according to the agency.
“The DENSO campaign is a great example of our team moving swiftly and strategically with our client to leverage an unexpected opportunity,” IMW President and Chief Marketing Officer Peter Bretschger said.
The agency has 18 employees and also works with Avocados from Mexico, Pacific Hospitality Group, Carltas Development, LA Flower Market, Stauber and other clients.
Taking the Lead
Irvine-based Toshiba America Business Solutions Inc. partnered with sister company Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Inc. in Durham, N.C., to host LEAD 2017 in Orlando, Fla., from May 2 to 5. The annual tradeshow is projected to draw 1,500 attendees, who will have a chance to preview Toshiba’s new scanners, copiers, multifunction office printers, digital signage and other products.
The event is Toshiba’s main marketing push.
“The entire Toshiba team is looking forward to hosting our reseller community and select end user customers at LEAD 2017,” said Scott Maccabe, president and chief executive for both subsidiaries of Japan-based Toshiba Corp., which has about 1,750 workers in Orange County. “Toshiba will also continue its tradition of presenting exceptional speakers as former Navy SEAL, Marcus Luttrell, whose battle experience is portrayed in the movie ‘Lone Survivor,’ will deliver our keynote.”
Bits & Pieces
Actress Christina Hendricks, best known for her work on the TV series “Mad Men,” stars in Kia Motors America Inc.’s TV ad “Impossible to Ignore,” for the 2017 high-end sedan Cadenza. The Irvine-based automaker is running another 30-second commercial, “Rain,” featuring NBA player LeBron James and luxury sedan K900. El Segundo-based David&Goliath, Kia’s advertising agency of record, developed the ads. … Incipio Group in Irvine is looking to hire a vice president of marketing, a new position. … SwimSpot, the retail arm of Raj Swim in Tustin, will open two stores—at Santa Monica Shopping Center and Brea Mall. … Cathy Lawhon, University of California-Irvine’s senior director of media and public relations, retired last month after a 10-year stint at the university. She also worked for the Orange County Register for about 30 years, including a features editor role at the Santa Ana-based publication. Tom Vasic, who’s been with the university since 1999, has stepped in for Lawhon on an interim basis.
